Topic: retail

A pair of reports this week made note of Apple's apparent decision to remove Google's Nest Learning Thermostat from its online and brick-and-mortar stores, leaving only smart home devices compatible with HomeKit available for purchase.

Apple's annual Back to School promotion appears to be a no-show for 2015, but a report on Saturday claims SVP of Retail Angela Ahrendts this week hinted to employees that a comparable offering could be coming soon.

Apple will open its fourth Apple Store location in Hong Kong on Thursday, July 30, the company announced through its retail website, with the three-story Canton Road outlet expected to be one of the largest in Asia.

Apple Stores will soon get a more uniform look as select third-party accessory makers adopt packaging co-designed by Apple, part of a larger transition toward a "premium feel" under retail chief Angela Ahrendts.

For the 2015 summer season, Apple is again inviting children aged 8 through 12 to participate in Apple Camp, a series of three-day retail store workshops designed to teach inquisitive young minds how to create rich digital content on iPad and Mac.

As part of a push into logistics, on-demand transportation provider Uber was reportedly in talks with Apple to provide same-day product deliveries, but the iPhone maker ultimately went with startup Postmates.

Switzerland is an affluent country with lots of people who value high quality products and new technology, making it a potential hotspot for Apple Watch--at least once the new product is officially launched in the country, known for its breathtaking mountains and equally breathtaking consumer prices.

Apple's retail website was recently updated to reflect upcoming availability of a new Workshop called Apple Watch Basics, suggesting the company plans to roll out device training sessions for early Watch buyers from day one.

Consumers who want to purchase a gold Apple Watch Edition -- or those who simply want to see it in the flesh -- may need to travel a bit if they live outside of the world's major cities, as Apple will initially stock the device at just 53 locations worldwide.

After announcing online Apple Watch preorders would commence on April 10, Apple on Friday said it will allow buyers to pick up their reserved device at brick-and-mortar locations on April 24, launch day.

Apple Stores around the world installed new backlit displays Thursday night, showing off the company's latest and greatest products, including the Apple Watch and an all new ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook with Retina display.